World ParaVolley (WPV) joined with Let’s Keep The Ball Flying (LKTBF) to introduce sitting volleyball to new communities in Tanzania, marking a significant step in promoting inclusion within Volleyball and adaptive sports in Africa.  By introducing sitting volleyball to new communities, the project aimed to make adaptive versions of the sport more accessible to a wider audience.  

Project managers, coaches, photographers, athletes, camera operators, sponsors, partners and volunteers gathered from across the globe in Moshi, Northern Tanzania, on the edge of Mount Kilimanjaro for LKTBF’s second expedition of this kind – after travelling to the Philippines last year.  All who were part of the travelling group, also experienced playing sat on the floor and received training to run more sessions in the future – including Olympian and commentator Ciara Michel who will feature in the video content.

Pushing the ParaVolley message was Matt Rogers, WPV Coaching Team Leader, Tija Vrhovnik, a Slovenian sitting volleyball player and John Kessel, former WPV Development Director and Life member.  Their mission was to integrate sitting volleyball into LKTBF’s existing programs, aiming to educate their team and empower local communities – all alongside their primary objective of recording educational footage to be used for a wider global impact long term.

Working with local groups and volleyball coaches, the trip involved a number of activations, each carefully selected to maximise impact and capture the best visual content to enhance the LKTBF Gear Up, Rise Up (GURU) platform and World ParaVolley resources. 

1 – Mabungo School

Day one started by gathering a number of local youth teams at a volleyball school to help take their provision to the next level.  Loads of courts were set up using trees and existing infrastructure to get everyone playing at the same time, while their coaches were trained on the benefits of small sided games (2v2, 3v3 etc…).  

Sponsors met their adopted teams and distributed kit, while essential training gear was donated.  The production team and photographers circulated to capture content to share on educational platforms to help others in other parts of the world long term.  Plus, 50+ kids were given a morning to remember!

2 – Mwereni Community

In the afternoon we headed to a disability focused school where two local youth clubs started with some standing Volleyball after which they were introduced to Sitting. Teachers from the group listened and translated so they can do more of the sport in the future!  They enjoyed meeting and playing with Tija, and were thrilled when she distributed Team Slovenia kit and clothing to all at the end.

3 – Educational Videos

This morning was set aside to capture Sitting Volleyball specific content for the ‘Volley4all’ course that is being added to the Let’s Keep the Ball Flying  purse dedicated to ParaVolley.  Videos were filmed showing how to set-up courts, check and prepare the flooring, how to move, and many other top tips and guidance videos aimed at those looking to start with the sport. 

4 – Coaching Clinic

More than 30 Tanzanian coaches came together for a coaching workshop, led by John Kessel.  Focusing on how to engage and retain players, along with making the best choices to develop them into Volleyball players.  A big focus was placed on how to generate the most “Smiles per hour”, and this was more than evident when they all learnt and tried Sitting Volleyball for the first time!

5 – Umoja School

On Day 3 we travelled East to a Volleyball community school to be greeted by 100+ kids, they already loved Volleyball, but had never heard of Sitting Volleyball… so we told them, showed them, and got them ALL playing!  It was quite a sight on our 9 court temporary set-up spread between two bamboo goal posts!  

The two older groups and their coaches also went through a clinic with John to help them prepare them for their upcoming regional championships. This ended with them playing two games against each other, first Sitting with Matt on one side and Tija on the other, followed by a game of standing. Meanwhile, the other 90 watched and cheered both teams on. 

A day by the mountains and in the sun which will live long in the memory of all who was there – particularly for those who saw (and chased around the field) a drone camera for the first time!

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The trip will have left its mark on all who encouraged the travelling team, but the legacy impact will undoubtedly be the essential coaching tools and tips captured through educational videos and imagery connected with the inspirational stories that highlight the personal journeys and achievements of those who drive the sport forward.

Overall an amazing initiative, training leaders and equipping local communities with the knowledge and skills to sustain and grow the volleyball [including Sitting] movement.

This collaboration between World ParaVolley and Let’s Keep The Ball Flying underscores a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering individuals through adaptive sports.  Rishon together to use Volleyball, in all its forms, for positive social impact.

Find more about their trip on social media using the hashtag: #Volley4all